Hello everyone,
As every year, we invite you to share your experience regarding the cost of living in Sri Lanka, and if possible, in the specific region or city where you live. This will help members who are planning to relocate in Sri Lanka.
Here are some points to guide you; the idea is to provide average prices for each category:
When it comes to housing, what is the cost of renting or buying an apartment or house in Sri Lanka?
How much do you pay for public transports such as buses, subways, trains, trams, or taxis?
Could you share the average monthly cost of your grocery shopping?
What is the cost of health insurance? How much does a medical consultation cost in Sri Lanka?
What are the tuition fees for children?
What are the average monthly costs for electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans?
For leisure activities, how much does it cost monthly?
If there are other expenses you find relevant, please feel free to share them!
Thank you for your contribution.
Expat.com Team
Cost of living in Sri Lanka in 2024
Dear All
The cost of living in Sri Lanka can vary depending on the location, lifestyle, and individual preferences. Here's a general overview of the costs you asked about:
Housing:
Renting: The cost of renting an apartment or house in Sri Lanka varies greatly depending on the location, size, and amenities. In urban areas like Colombo, you can expect to pay higher rents compared to suburban or rural areas. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center could range from $150 to $500 per month, while outside the city center, it could be between $100 to $300 per month. Prices for larger apartments or houses will be higher.
Buying: The cost of buying property in Sri Lanka also varies significantly depending on factors such as location, size, and property type. In Colombo and other urban areas, prices can be relatively high, with apartments ranging from $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars. Outside urban areas, prices may be more affordable.
Public Transport:
Bus fares are generally inexpensive, with prices ranging from $0.20 to $0.50 depending on the distance traveled.
Train fares are also relatively low, with prices varying based on the class of travel and distance.
Taxis and tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles) are widely available, and fares can vary depending on the distance and negotiation skills. Taxis usually charge by the kilometer, while tuk-tuks may have fixed rates for shorter distances.
Grocery Shopping:
The average monthly cost of grocery shopping can vary depending on dietary preferences, family size, and lifestyle. A typical monthly grocery bill for a moderate lifestyle for a small family could range from $150 to $300.
Healthcare:
Health insurance costs can vary based on coverage, provider, and individual factors. It's recommended to research and compare different insurance plans to find one that suits your needs and budget.
The cost of a medical consultation in Sri Lanka can vary depending on the healthcare provider and the type of facility. A basic consultation with a general practitioner may cost anywhere from $5 to $20.
Education:
Tuition fees for children can vary greatly depending on the school and curriculum. International schools and private institutions tend to have higher fees compared to public schools. Annual tuition fees for international schools can range from $1,000 to $4,000 or more.
Utilities and Communication:
Monthly costs for electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone plans can vary depending on usage and provider. On average, expect to pay:
Electricity: $20 to $50
Gas: $10 to $30
Water: $5 to $15
Internet: $15 to $50
Phone plans: $5 to $20
Leisure Activities:
The cost of leisure activities can vary widely depending on individual preferences and interests. Some common leisure activities and their approximate costs include dining out ($5 to $20 per meal), movie tickets ($3 to $7), gym memberships ($20 to $50 per month), and recreational outings (varies).
Hi Surangand,
This is Nicholas from Istanbul, a single, semi retired gent.
Considering seriously to relocate to Galle soon, I need some insider information.
Would higly appreciate your respond.
My biggest issue is:
How much would cost a FURNISHED apartment or a small haus in Galle? Would be 100 US dolar enough?
My monthly budget is 500 US dollar. With this budget can I survive, no tobacco, no alcohol, normal diet, with local food?
Are there any cultural events in Galle like, theather, concerts etc?
Are there many expats living there?
Are Sri Lanka ladies golddigers?
Thanks
